PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1920, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE. By Telejjrapli.—Press Association. Wellington, Nov. IS. The Presbyterian General Assembly resumed its sittings to-day. It was resolved that, each presbytery take into consideration the matter of special evangelistic efforts in its different charges Considerable discussion occurred on the recommendation that the sessions be urged to aim at fostering a spirit of loyalty on the part of members in the services of the church. Several members took the view that strong efforts were needed to prevent the falling off in church attendance. The Rev. Mr. Patterson did not believe in the efficacy of house-to-house-visits; well-advertised evangelistic services were needed. The Rev. Mr. Ryburn took the opposite view. j Mr. .T. H. Joll'made vigorous attacks on the attitude of the church. "How many leaders of the church," he asked, "when they went to the cities visited the places where congregated the persons it was desirable the church should reach? Did they stay in democratic houses? Were they not living in a fool's paradise? There was considerable interruption at this stage, and Mr. Joll said it was time for plain speaking. The question was one of the most serious the church had to face. All efforts would fail unless the church-fot down to bedrock and followed in the footsteps of Christ, down among the people. The Rev. J. Jolly supported Mr. Joll, and the recommendation was adopted. EFFECTS OF GAMBLING.

Gambling and its evil effects were referred to at to-day's meeting of the Presbyterian General Assembly, when the report of the Life and Work Committee was brought up. Mr. D. D. Scott, who presented the report, said there was a strong suspicion in his, mind -and other people's minds that the number of racing permits would be increased by the commission appointed by the Government last session. The Presbyterian Church had sent in various protests against the increase of racing permits, but he thought it would have to do more than that. On his motion the Assembly decided: "That an appeal be made to the Education Department to publish carefully prepared articles in the School Journal against the vice of gambling, that special instruction be given in all our Sunday schools, and that Ministers be urged to preach against gambling." Mr. D. C. Herron moved a motion protseting against any proposal to increase the number of racing permits, especially in view of the- urgent need for increased production. Members of the Assembly were sympathetic with the motion, but thought too much stress was being laid on the economic point of view, and the motion was referred to the Public Questions Committee to be reviewed.